Stem Cells

Stem cells are unique in that they have the capacity to
develop into a range of specialized cell types. This fact has made them a very
attractive target for regenerative therapies. Stem cells can be broadly split
into 2 types, embryonic stem cells which have the capacity to differentiate
into any cell type and adult stem cells which are more limited in the cell
types they can become. Using bone marrow aspirates we can isolate mesenchymal
stem cells which have the capacity to differentiate into tendon cells, bone
cells, cartilage and fat and as such are perfect candidates for the
regeneration of soft tissue damage. Mesenchymal stem cells can also be isolated
from other tissue, for example, adipose tissue or umbilical cord.

As
long ago as 1961 it was shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC’s) could develop
into tendons in the lab and by the late 1990’s the regeneration of tendon-like
tissue had been shown in vivo. Post-mortem results from MSC treated suspensory
branches show good longitudinal orientation of fascicle and a collagenous
matrix which exhibits a crimp pattern characteristic of ligament rather than
scar tissue. Post-mortem results from MSC treated superficial digital flexor
tendons show very good tendon healing and a fascicular arrangement that is
largely retained / reconstituted and contains an adequate longitudinally
arranged fibroblastic / tenocytic population.